To evaluate the efficacy of calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH]2), 2%
chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, and propolis against both Enterococcus faecalis (E.
faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) using infected dentine models at
two different depths (100 and 200 μm) after 14 days of application.

Methods

A total of 120 roots of extracted single-rooted human teeth
were chemo-mechanically prepared and sterilized. Sixty roots were infected with
E. faecalis, and the remaining 60 with C. albicans. Each group was divided into
four subgroups (n = 15) to apply intracanal medicaments, namely saline solution
(negative control), Ca(OH)2, CHX, and propolis during the 14 days. Dentine
shavings were collected and cultivated. Colony-forming units (c.f.u.) were
registered. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal–Wallis test,
followed by Dunn's/Bonferroni multiple comparison test (P < 0.05).

Results

All experimental agents significantly reduced E. faecalis
c.f.u. There was no significant difference between CHX and propolis reducing E.
faecalis c.f.u. at 100 and 200 μm. Only CHX had a statistically-significant
antifungal efficacy in the C. albicans group at the two depths assessed. CHX
was the most potent medicament against both E. faecalis and C. albicans, and
Ca(OH)2 was the least.

Conclusion

Both CHX and propolis were the most effective against E.
faecalis, whereas only CHX had the highest antifungal activity on C. albicans
in dentine of extracted teeth.